17. Apple Valley, MN

If you don’t mind cold winters, there’s plenty to recommend this family-friendly Twin Cities suburb. There’s a wide range of affordable homes: The median sale price is around $200,000.

Cars are still the de facto transport here, but the city recently added a $112 million rapid-transit bus system that connects the downtown to area attractions like the Mall of America. Apple Valley is also home to the Minnesota Zoo and 53 parks. –H.L.

Apple Valley, MN

Town stats

Apple Valley, MN

Town stats

Median family income (per year)

$93,210

Job growth % (2010-2012)

2.03%

Median home price (2012)

$179,000

Reading test scores (% above/below average)

7.1%

Math test scores (% above/below average)

7.9%

Personal crime incidents (per 1,000)

13

Property crime incidents (per 1,000)

223

Financials

Median family income (per year)

$93,210

Family purchasing power (annual, cost-of-living adjusted)

$85,947

Sales tax

7.13%

State income tax rate (highest bracket)

7.85%I

State income tax rate (lowest bracket)

5.35%I

Auto insurance premiums (Average price quotes, for the state)

$1,594

Job growth % (2010-2012)

2.03%

Financials

Housing

Median home price (2012)

$179,000

Average property taxes(2012)

$2,722

Housing

Education

Colleges, universities and professional schools (within 30 miles)

40

Reading test scores (% above/below state average)

7.1%

Test scores math (% above/below average)

7.9%

% students attending public/private schools (located within town limits)